Betty Oliver

Betty Lou Oliver, 80, of Groton, SD, passed away peacefully in 2024, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, determination, and love.

A mass of Christian burial and celebration of Betty’s remarkable life will be held on Saturday, December 21st at 1:00pm, honoring the legacy of a woman who inspired everyone she met. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

Visitation will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church from 11-1 p.m. on Saturday. Father Greg Tschakert will officiate.  Burial will follow in Union Cemetery, Groton under the direction of Paetznick-Garness Funeral Chapel.

She was born on January 1, 1944, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, to Erma and Mike Burckhartzmeyer. One of eight children, Betty grew up surrounded by her siblings, where her personality shone brightly. She shared a lively childhood filled with neighborhood baseball games, countless adventures, and a competitive spirit that would stay with her for life.

Betty’s early years were marked by her courageous battle with polio, a challenge that shaped her tenacity and determination. Through numerous surgeries and immense perseverance, she overcame the disease, ultimately paving the way for her successful journey as a business owner, wife, mother, and friend.

A graduate of Aberdeen Central High School, Betty pursued her passion for beauty and design, beginning her career as a hairdresser. She honed her craft at Dayton’s in Minneapolis before returning to Aberdeen, where she worked at Bostwick’s Department Store managing the wig counter. Her creativity and initiative led her to restyle display wigs, a small act that launched a career traveling the country hosting department store wig shows as “Ms. Bette.”

In 1969, Betty married Jim Oliver, whom she met at the Aberdeen Horse Races. Together, they embraced an active lifestyle, even racing snowmobiles, with Betty collecting first-place trophies in oval track competitions. As newlyweds, they became part owners of Jungle Lanes & Lounge, all while farming and raising a family. In the late 1970s, Betty opened her own business, Betty’s Salon, which she successfully operated for over 30 years.

Betty’s devotion to her family was unparalleled. She supported her daughters, Carmen and Katie, in every aspect of their lives, particularly during their horse show years. Whether coaching, hauling trailers, or cheering from the sidelines, Betty was their unwavering champion.

Creative and visionary, Betty had a passion for home design and décor. She poured her heart into creating beautiful spaces, from the family farmhouse near Groton to her dream home in the Black Hills, which she designed and built in 2015. Her meticulous attention to detail and boundless creativity made her homes a true reflection of her spirit.

Betty will be remembered for her laughter, generosity, and unyielding love for her family and friends. She never did anything halfway, embracing every challenge and opportunity with all her heart.

Blessed and beyond grateful to have shared in her life are her husband, Jim, her daughters Carmen (Mike), and Katie and countless friends and family members who cherished her.

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